M6:323 — نامْ میری و وزیری و شهی / در نهانش مرگ و درد و جان‌دهی

Translation: The name of emirship, viziership, and kingship; / Yet in its hidden depths lie death, pain, and soul-giving. Meaning: This verse points to the deceptive allure of worldly positions and power, revealing that their apparent grandeur conceals nothing but demise and spiritual suffering.

This profound verse, much like a masterful unveiling of the world's deceptive nature, is embedded within the narrative of the Hindu slave and the fake bride. Mawlana, with unparalleled subtlety, employs this tale as an allegory for human ghurūr—a term I have repeatedly emphasized, means being deceived or beguiled, rather than arrogance, in Mawlana's lexicon. This particular beyt stands as a prime example of such deception.

Here, Mawlana points not merely to the sexual desires implied in the main story, but to the most beguiling and cunning of human temptations: power. He states unequivocally: "It is not always sexual matters that incite lust and desire; power is also deceptive, and even more so." These words reveal Mawlana's deep understanding of the human psyche and the cunning mechanisms of the world.

This "name of emirship, viziership, and kingship" (nām-i mīrī va vazīrī va shahī), outwardly glorious and majestic, promises splendor and respect. People cross every barrier and pay any price to attain this "name." Yet, Mawlana, with his piercing words, pulls back the veil from the hidden face of this "name": "Yet in its hidden depths lie death, pain, and soul-giving" (dar nahānash marg-o dard-o jān-dehī). This "soul-giving" is not merely physical death; rather, it signifies the loss of the soul, the corruption of the inner being, and the immense spiritual cost that one pays for such positions. The human spirit becomes a sacrifice to ambition.

This legacy of kingship and viziership is, in truth, a heavy burden that its possessors impose upon the people. As Mawlana states in subsequent verses, these "great ones" (kubār) "cast their burden upon humanity" (bār bar khalqān fukandand). They are carried like "corpses" (janāza) on the shoulders of others, rather than walking their own path like a swift "steed" (samand). This is why I have always insisted that, in Mawlana's view, the power-seeker is not riding the steed of their own will, but is a corpse carried by slaves and servants of the world.

This is, in fact, the opposite of being a "servant of God" (banda-yi khudā) and "walking upon the earth like a steed" (bar zamīn raw chun samand)—meaning spiritual independence and avoiding burdening others. One who seeks name and status, in reality, "desires all to be their carriers, being ungrateful" (hamma rā hammāl-i khwad khwāhad kafūr). This is not only ingratitude towards the Creator but also a rejection of humanity itself.

Therefore, Mawlana, in this verse, warns us: do not be deceived by appearances. What appears as "water" from afar, upon closer inspection, is a "mirage." These "names" and "titles" are the rouge and cosmetics of the world, applied to its "old hag" (gandapīr) face to make it appear like a "young bride" (nau-ʿarūs). But within, only venom and suffering are concealed. This is an invitation to delve into the inner reality of things and to avoid the allure of superficial worldly attractions, which ultimately bring nothing but death, pain, and soul-exhaustion.

Key takeaways

• Deceptive Appearance of Power: Lofty worldly titles like emir and king are merely alluring names concealing a hidden and deadly essence.
• The Hidden Cost of Power: Mawlana warns that behind apparent grandeur lies death, pain, and 'soul-giving' (the loss of one's spiritual self).
• Power, More Deceptive Than Lust: Mawlana emphatically states that power can be an even greater source of human deception and misguidance than sexual desires.
• Power-Seekers Burden Society: Those who crave status and position effectively impose a burden on society, casting themselves like 'corpses' upon others.
• 'Ghurūr' as Deception: In Mawlana's lexicon, 'ghurūr' signifies being fooled by appearances; this verse exemplifies succumbing to worldly allurements.
• An Invitation to Inner Vision: This verse is a call to look beyond facades and discern the bitter truth of worldly affairs before their appeal leads to spiritual ruin.